Adult Summer Reading Program Announced

The topics are varied and sure-to-please in the 2013 Adult Summer Reading Program at Massanutten Regional Library.

With the theme of “Groundbreaking Reads,” the topics throughout the summer weeks will encompass genealogy, eBook technology, local history, classic reading, poetry, and popular fiction trends.

“Our patrons enjoy guest speakers immensely, but we also wanted to try some ‘Tea Talks’ this summer. July’s programs will be book discussions for everyone with an opinion,” says Cheryl Metz, MRL Reference Librarian and Adult Programming Coordinator.

A local popular author of over twenty books, Katie Letcher Lyle will kick off the adult summer reading program on Monday, June 10, 1 PM at Massanutten Regional Main Library. Lyle will primarily be speaking about her genealogical book My Dearest Angel: A Virginia Family Chronicle, 1895-1947 and her Virginia ancestors. Lyle’s works include books of poetry, novels, historical non-fiction, and nature books, as well as many articles and two plays. She has published in such magazines as Viva, Shenandoah, and The Virginia Quarterly Review.

With summer vacations on one’s mind, the Main Library will host a segment on “Digging into eBook Technology,” Monday, June 17, 1 PM. MRL On-Site IT Coordinator Shannon Blosser will review with audience members the eBook Overdrive system and its availability for library patrons. Bill Bressin, Best Buy Home Business Group Sales Associate, will also provide various electronic reading devices available for audience members to experience hands-on.

On Monday, June 24, 1 PM, local historian Phillip Stone will talk about The Lincoln Homestead, the 16th President’s homeplace for his great-grandparents, “Virginia John” and Rebecca Flowers Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln’s father, Thomas, was born in Linville in 1778 before the family moved to Kentucky. The Lincoln Homestead, currently privately owned, is located in Linville in Rockingham County. There is a historical marker in front of the home and visitors are allowed to walk up to the Lincoln cemetery where five generations of Lincolns are buried, including two beloved slaves, Queenie and Uncle Ned.

What is your favorite classic read? Is it Pride and Prejudice? Little Women? Far from the MaddingCrowd? Jane Austen? Is your favorite classic author Charles Dickens, or do you prefer American author Mark Twain? Cheryl Metz will lead a discussion of classic novels and what makes them all-time favorites. This session will occur on Monday, July 15, 1 pm.

Back by popular demand, Metz will lead a session on favorite poets and their poetry in the Monday, July 22 session, 1 PM. Audience members should bring their favorite materials.

The last session on July 29, 1 PM, will find audience members discussing popular fiction trends. How does a reader feel about historical fiction? James Patterson and ghost writers? Graphic novels are not just comics. Why are books based on real people and real life, like The Paris Wife, (based on Hemingway and his first wife) so popular in today’s market?